Twosome heads to Raleigh for state scholarship program

Published: Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 05:25 PM.

Photo Galleries

After winning the title in December, Nelms changed into sweatpants and a tank, put her sash and crown back on and went to the Waffle House for a celebratory dinner.

“The crowd welcomed me in and loved my being there. It was a true celebration.

“I’ve wanted to know the town and people better, and have made opportunities to be more involved. I’ve shopped and eaten lunch downtown and volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club,” Nelms said.

“I’ve really come to claim the town. I think it is the jewel in Eastern North Carolina’s crown.” The final countdown week found both young women squeezing countless tasks into limited hours.

Sasnett packed in extra dance rehearsals and put the last touches on her auction basket, a BBQ basket with lots of items from the Festival on the Neuse.

“I’ve learned that it is OK to be open to constructive criticism,” Sasnett said, with two mock interviews, also this week, under her belt.

Nelms’ mother’s birthday was Thursday, but with dental school classes that day and Friday, plus bad weather Thursday night and final packing for Raleigh, she couldn’t get to Nashville for a birthday visit.

“It’s June, and you know what that means … it’s time for sparkling gowns and brand new crowns!”

These words are part of one of Miss North Carolina 2012 — and former Miss Kinston-Lenoir County — Arlie Honeycutt’s final blog postings looking toward the 2013 Miss N.C. Pageant set to run all this week in Raleigh.

“It’s hard to believe that my time as Miss North Carolina is already winding down,” Honeycutt said. “As sentimental as I am these days, I have to admit … I’m really excited to see who will capture the crown!”

Unfurling under a patriotic theme, the 76th state program will welcome 33 Miss contestants and 33 Outstanding Teen contestants from across the state. CJ Koegel, former member of TV’s “Real World” cast, will be the emcee. The contestants arrived Friday to begin competition for the chance to represent North Carolina in the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City in September and the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando, Fla., in August.

Representing Kinston-Lenoir County are Maggie Nelms and Makenzie Sasnett, Miss Kinston-Lenoir County and Kinston-Lenoir County Outstanding Teen 2013, respectively.

“It’s my first and last time to be a part of a pageant in the Miss America organization because I have aged out,” Nelms said. “I turned 24 May 30.

“I am going with an open and clear mind with no expectations except to totally enjoy the experience.”

Sasnett admits being apprehensive.

“I am afraid of new things, and I haven’t done this before, so I am anxious,” said Sasnett. “I know I’m gonna be tired, with rehearsals and competitions every day from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., but I also expect to have a lot of fun.”

The road to the state program began in December when they won the local titles. Since then, the two have been involved in home front activities and experiences that have helped them prepare for this next Miss America preliminary —from parades and festivals, public appearances and volunteer commitments, to mock interviews.

“There’s a lot more to Kinston than I realized,” Sasnett said, “… a lot more to be involved in, more to do, more activities.

“Lots of girls don’t represent their home town, but I am really glad that I do. With this being my first time, being from Kinston and knowing a lot of the people really has helped.”

Nelms, on the other hand, is from Nashville.

“People in Kinston are very similar to my home town — friendly, warm and welcoming. This is my first title ever,” Nelms said, “and I have been amazed at just how excited people get, young and old, about seeing someone wearing a crown!”

After winning the title in December, Nelms changed into sweatpants and a tank, put her sash and crown back on and went to the Waffle House for a celebratory dinner.

“The crowd welcomed me in and loved my being there. It was a true celebration.

“I’ve wanted to know the town and people better, and have made opportunities to be more involved. I’ve shopped and eaten lunch downtown and volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club,” Nelms said.

“I’ve really come to claim the town. I think it is the jewel in Eastern North Carolina’s crown.” The final countdown week found both young women squeezing countless tasks into limited hours.

Sasnett packed in extra dance rehearsals and put the last touches on her auction basket, a BBQ basket with lots of items from the Festival on the Neuse.

“I’ve learned that it is OK to be open to constructive criticism,” Sasnett said, with two mock interviews, also this week, under her belt.

Nelms’ mother’s birthday was Thursday, but with dental school classes that day and Friday, plus bad weather Thursday night and final packing for Raleigh, she couldn’t get to Nashville for a birthday visit.

“If I can bring home that crown for her, for her 50th birthday, that would be awesome.”